Al-Ahli Thrash Al-Khaleej 4-1 to Extend Winning Run in the Saudi Pro League
Al-Ahli continued their strong form in the Roshn Saudi Pro League with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Al-Khaleej at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah. A commanding performance, led by a goal and an assist from striker Ivan Toney, lifted the hosts to fifth place with 21 points, while Al-Khaleej remained tenth on 12 points.
The match was originally scheduled for Thursday evening but was postponed by 24 hours for what the league described as “logistical considerations.” Once play began on Friday, Al-Ahli quickly took control, combining aggressive pressing with sharp movement in attack. Their early pressure set the tone for a match in which Al-Khaleej struggled to contain the home side’s forward line.
Toney opens the scoring after VAR review
Al-Ahli created the first clear opportunity in the sixth minute. Trincão found space inside the penalty area and struck a low shot, but goalkeeper Al-Haidari managed to keep it out at the second attempt. The warning was brief: five minutes later, the hosts found the breakthrough.
Toney timed his run well to meet a dangerous free-kick delivery and powered a header into the net. The assistant referee initially raised the offside flag, prompting a review. VAR overturned the decision, confirming that Toney had been onside and awarding Al-Ahli the opening goal.
The goal gave Al-Ahli greater confidence, and they continued to push forward rather than settle into a defensive shape. Trincão came close to doubling the lead in first-half stoppage time, striking from outside the box. His effort took a deflection off an Al-Khaleej defender and flew narrowly over the crossbar, leaving the visitors relieved to reach the interval just one goal behind.
Al-Ahli turn pressure into a decisive lead
Al-Khaleej emerged after the break with more urgency and looked for an equaliser. In the 49th minute, Barrow drove a low shot towards goal from the edge of the area, but the attempt drifted just wide. It was a promising opening for the visitors, yet they were unable to build on it.
Instead, a costly mistake from Al-Haidari allowed Al-Ahli to extend their advantage in the 57th minute. The goalkeeper hesitated while trying to clear the ball, giving Toney the chance to step in and take possession. The striker kept his composure, squared the ball to Bondarenko, and the midfielder finished into the unguarded goal.
Al-Ahli struck again just four minutes later, producing the most memorable move of the evening. From inside his own half, Toney spotted Trincão’s forward run and played a precise through ball that split the Al-Khaleej defence. Trincão raced clear, rounded Al-Haidari and calmly rolled the ball into the net to make it 3-0.
The sequence underlined the range of Toney’s contribution. He was not only a threat in front of goal but also a creator, using his awareness and passing ability to turn a defensive position into a clear scoring chance. For Al-Ahli, the quick succession of goals effectively ended the contest and gave the home crowd plenty to celebrate.
Red card, late consolation and stoppage-time penalty
Al-Khaleej’s difficult evening worsened in the 70th minute when Benegas was sent off. The referee reviewed the incident with VAR before showing a red card for a violent challenge on Ibáñez. Reduced to ten players, the visitors faced an even tougher task as they attempted to limit further damage.
Al-Khaleej did manage to score a consolation goal in the 87th minute. Hussein Al-Issa worked his way past several challenges down the right before sending a low cross into the penalty area. Al-Khaibari arrived in front of goal and tapped the ball home, giving the travelling side a late reward for their persistence.
However, Al-Ahli had the final word. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Crispo brought down Toney inside the box, and the referee awarded a penalty. Toney took responsibility, striking firmly to Al-Haidari’s right and converting to complete the 4-1 scoreline.
What the result means for the league table
The victory moves Al-Ahli to 21 points and fifth place in the Saudi Pro League standings, strengthening their position in the crowded race near the top of the table. Their performance offered encouraging signs for supporters: the team created chances early, reacted well to Al-Khaleej’s brief second-half pressure and made effective use of Toney’s physical presence and vision.
For Al-Khaleej, the result leaves them on 12 points in tenth place. The visitors showed some attacking intent after the break and found a late goal, but defensive errors proved costly. Al-Haidari’s hesitation before the second goal and the team’s inability to contain Toney’s pass for Trincão’s finish changed the complexion of the match.
Al-Ahli’s next challenge and match prediction
Al-Ahli will now turn their attention to their upcoming AFC Champions League Elite fixture, listed for October 27, before returning to domestic action against Al-Hilal on October 29. The demanding schedule will test the squad’s depth, particularly after a high-intensity league performance. Maintaining the same attacking sharpness while managing player workloads could be crucial as the club balances continental and domestic ambitions.
Based on this display, the short-term prediction is that Al-Ahli will carry considerable confidence into their next matches. Toney’s influence, Trincão’s pace and the team’s ability to create opportunities from both set pieces and open play make them a dangerous opponent. Still, the next fixtures will provide a sterner test than Al-Khaleej’s ten-man finish, and Al-Ahli will need to remain disciplined as well as productive if they are to continue climbing the table.
